From the State Superintendent of Public Instruction

The future success of our state is sitting in our classrooms. A quality education is the only answer for the future of our students and our state. We must embrace the effort to expect more from our high school students so that they aren’t left behind by the rest of the world economically. We must insist that all students master the content of the core subjects of math, science, English language arts, and social studies and insist that they become culturally proficient through world languages and the arts. And we must believe, on a moral and economic level, that all kids can and will learn this content.

More than 60 percent of employers report that high school graduates have poor math skills and nearly 75 percent report deficiencies in grammar and writing skills. Institutions of higher education likewise are finding an increasing number of newly enrolled students having to take remedial math and writing courses in order to meet the basic challenges of community college and university coursework. The recommended curriculum changes address this vital need for more rigorous math, science, reading, and writing education.

We hear many stories of American jobs being sent overseas to China or India. Those nations are training their students in math, science, and engineering to meet employment needs of this new global knowledge economy. The inclusion of an online learning experience in addition to rigorous academic requirements will provide a plan that is flexible and relevant for all students. Even though it requires students to learn Algebra I and II, they still will have the ability to learn those same concepts in an alternative setting such as a building trade class.

These more rigorous graduation requirements are not meant only for the high school students planning to go to college. To the contrary, employers across Michigan are demanding students with a basic mastery of the core skills. It’s important to remember that the skills students need for success in college education are the same skills required for success in the workplace after high school. These graduation requirements focus on the knowledge and skills students must have to succeed in whatever direction they go after high school.

These changes will ensure that Michigan’s economy stays vibrant by bringing out the best of each and every Michigan student.